Key Points

The Philippine Navy’s new frigates will each feature a 30 mm gun system from Aselsan

The Turkish company is gaining a foothold in the region, and is also in talks with the Philippine government regarding further orders

The Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) new frigates will be equipped with the SMASH 30 mm remote controlled stabilised naval gun system from Turkish defence systems provider, Aselsan, an official from the company confirmed with Jane’s on 20 November.

Each frigate will be equipped with one SMASH 30 mm system as a secondary weapon, and the system will be fully integrated with the platform’s combat management system (CMS), said the official. Jane’s understands that the weapon will be situated in the platform’s stern section, facing its flight deck.

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) won a contract in 2016 to supply the PN with two 2,600-tonne frigates that derive its design from the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN’s) Incheon (FFX-I) class. Besides the 30 mm gun system, the warship is also expected to be equipped with an eight-cell vertical launching system (VLS) installed at the forward section, and a 76 mm naval gun.

According to specifications provided by Aselsan, the SMASH system is fitted with a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster-II cannon that can fire up to 200 rounds/minute, and can be operated either via an operator console or in automatic tracking mode.

The system can be equipped with an electro-optic sight package containing a thermal camera, a video camera, and laser range finder, and also operate in surveillance mode to improve the platform’s situational awareness. The turret can be fed via two separate ammunition stowage lines.

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